Looking for a delightful dish that’s perfect for a sunny picnic or a light lunch? Dive into the refreshing world of our Long Grain and Wild Rice Chicken Salad! This vibrant salad is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet dried cranberries, all brought together with a creamy Dijon dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be serving up a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Trust us, this is one recipe you won’t want to miss—your friends and family will be begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain and wild rice mix
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the long grain and wild rice mix with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- Remove the rice from heat and let it cool completely at room temperature, spreading it out on a large plate or baking sheet to speed up cooling.
- While the rice is cooling, dice the cooked chicken into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Finely chop the celery into thin, crisp pieces to add crunch to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, diced chicken, chopped celery, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the rice and chicken mixture, gently folding to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled as a light lunch or refreshing summer salad, garnishing with additional almonds if desired.
Tips
- Cook the Rice Perfectly: Make sure to watch the rice closely while it simmers. If it's not tender after 25 minutes, add a splash more water and continue cooking until it's just right.
- Cool it Down: To speed up the cooling process of the rice, spread it out on a large plate or baking sheet. This helps prevent clumping and ensures even cooling.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: When dicing the chicken, aim for uniform 1/2 inch cubes. This not only makes for a more appealing presentation but also ensures that every bite has the same delicious flavor.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap out almonds for your favorite nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds, to add a unique twist to the salad.
- Let It Chill: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the best taste, consider making it a few hours ahead or even the night before.
- Garnish for Flair: Before serving, add a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds or even some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg
